How Many Usable IP Addresses in a /24, /26, /28 Subnet on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud - the Reserved Addresses, the Smallest Subnet per Cloud, and Why Your Calculator Says 254

· Rahul Wagh · Oct. 19, 2026, 1:30 a.m.
Summary
This blog post addresses the misconceptions around the number of usable IP addresses in various subnet configurations on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, highlighting the different reserved addresses that each cloud provider uses. It details how these reservations affect the total number of usable addresses, provides specific numbers for each subnet type, and includes a table with relevant data. The author addresses common queries related to IP addresses in cloud environments, providing valuable insights and clarifications that contradict typical online subnet calculators.
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